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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-04-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE April 21, 1999 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Korherr, Leonardo, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel. Mayor Cohen chaired the meeting. Additions: Pud's Run Update Report on Garage Repairs Staff Reports There were no deletions from the agenda. 1. Pud's Run Update. Sgt. Williams was present to update the board on negotiations with the Mayor to finalize details on the use of Stewart Park. He explained that last year they did not feel they closed the park, but restricted traffic. The public had access to the park from Pier Road. He asked the board if the problems had stemmed from complaints? He added that they received positive feed back from last year's event. He next questioned why the Ithaca Festival is allowed to close the park for a full day? He noted that he understood that the Festival pays for the park and wondered if it was a matter of money or inconvenience? He explained to the board that during discussions with the Mayor, it was suggested that part of the park remain open but he felt that cars would get stuck in the park. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the matter did not come about due to complaints but rather the fact that Stewart Park is a public park. He explained that closing the park on a Sunday morning is not acceptable for public use. He further noted that the Ithaca Festival is a community event which draws between 10 and 15 thousand people each year for three days. Sgt. Williams noted that this is a community event as well and is recognized throughout the region. The consensus of the board was that the organization should work more with the Mayor on reaching agreeable terms for the event. 2. Elm Street Reconstruction. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the board was to consider three alternatives for the proposed reconstruction of Elm Street. Each board member told what their choice alternative was. The board's consensus was that the original option number 4, which proposed two 11 foot lanes with a six foot reinforced shoulder should be adopted. The following resolution was presented and voted on. L Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole April 21, 1999 Moved by: Commissioner Gutenberger, seconded by: Commissioner Vargas RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts alternate number 4 which would provide two 11 foot lanes with a six foot reinforced shoulder in the 400 block of Elm Street. A vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4 Nays - 2 3. Temporary Docking Facilities in Cass Park Tom Trenchard of Cayuga Boat and Cottage Marina Contracting was present to address the board concerning his proposal to implement a temporary docking facility. He told the board that he would like to have docks that would accommodate small boats, that would be carried to the area. He explained that he has approached the Army Corp of Engineers and DEC for approval. Discussion followed and it was agreed that letters of approval from DEC and the Army Corp of Engineers would be required along with the conditions approved by the Parks Commission. A resolution will be presented at the next regular board meeting on May 12, 1999. 4. Bike Plan. Comm. Ehrhardt explained that Common Council has adopted a bike plan and has charged the BPW to establish and implement bike routes. He noted that previous hand outs had been distributed indicating north /south and east/west routes. Comm. Korherr noted that he has some major concerns about the bike route being on North Cayuga Street near the high school. He explained that students who drive aren't always cautious when they leave the parking lots. He suggested that the route be changed to go down Falls Street and over to Lake Street for access to Stewart Park. Comm. Leonardo told the board that he has concerns about removal of parking, only if the residents show a concern. Discussion followed concerning the possibility of removal of parking from one side of the street where the bike lane be installed and that 24 hour parking would be allowed on the opposite side of the street. It was agreed to vote on a resolution adopting the proposed routes and to produce the information to residents for their input at a future public hearing. 5. Discussion of Capital Projects for 2000 Supt. Gray noted that he had intended to produce a list of proposed projects, but was unable to. He explained that the board would probably be familiar with the list since it consists of the five year plan developed last year. This item will continue at a future meeting. Page - 2 Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole April 21, 1999 6. TCAT - Personnel Items. Supt. Gray told the board that the creation of Operations Manger and Customer Service Representative is underway. He noted that there are sufficient funds for both positions. 7. Report on Garage Repairs. Supt. Gray noted that he received a proposal for the first phase of repairs to the Seneca Street parking garage. He explained that he did not send out request for proposals since he felt confident that the proposal was reasonable. In addition the firm is very familiar with the structure which will save research time. He indicated that he expects to put the job out for bid soon and that work will begin by early summer. 8. Staff Reports. Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported on the following: Spring clean up is into the second week Commons Fountain is ready to be dismantled Concrete work for the Roller Sports Park has been completed He has participated in meetings with Tompkins County and other townships on shared equipment programs 9. Miscellaneous Items. Comm. Gutenberger questioned if there is an appeal process to the Residential Parking System? She explained that a resident has contacted her concerning a newly implemented area. The resident, who owns a majority of the properties on the street was not notified of the new regulation and has concerns about tenant parking. Mayor Cohen noted that discussions have occurred concerning College Avenue during Senior Week. He noted that things will be handled as it was last year, like closing the street from 1:30 a.m. until 3:30 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Ln Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 3